Rabiu joins Kilmarnock

Nigeria midfielder, Rabiu Ibrahim has teamed up with another Scottish Premier League (SPL) club, Kilmarnock FC, supersport.com can report.

The 21-year-old signed a two-year contract with the Killie just hours after the winter transfer window opened.

The former Nigerian Under17 player also explained his choice of staying back in Scotland to sign for Kilmarnock and ditch a move to an unnamed Russia Premier League club.

"As far as I was concerned, Russia was my destination but the moment Kilmarnock showed an interest I was happy because I really wanted to stay in Scotland and Kilmarnock play modern passing (game). They often play 4-3-3 with a playmaker which suits me.

"The manager of Kilmarnock (Kenny Shiels) spoke to my manager and also spoke with me and I am excited about his plans," Rabiu told supersport.com.

When asked why he does not fancy a move to Russia, Rabiu said: "I am very happy in Glasgow and I have really settled in here and I believe I can do great things in the SPL. I have to keep fighting. Football is a fight, and success doesn't come easy.

"In Sporting Lisbon I fought for a place with captain Joao Moutinho and at PSV Eindhoven I competed for a place with Ola Toivonen, the captain and Kevin Strootman, these are all top players.

"Now at Celtic there are senior, experienced and influential players like Scot Brown, the captain, Victor Wanyama, Chris Commons etc, who can all play in the same position.

"I can't expect to be ahead of these players and that's the reality. I am now in Kilmarnock, the fight goes on," the former Gateway FC playmaker rounded off.

Rabiu's manager, Tony Harris explained that the player is keen to first succeed in Scotland and has set his sight on earning a move to England.

"Rabiu is an exceptionally gifted player. This could well be the perfect fulcrum for him. There were discussions for Rabiu to go on loan to a couple of SPL clubs but eventually he was allowed to leave Celtic and move to Kilmarnock. He has signed a two-year contract.

"Celtic are doing well in the SPL and Champions League, and they have lots of experience in the midfield, hence his opportunities were limited. There was a possibility for Rabiu to go to Russia but his preference is to remain in the UK for now. He has great ambitions and I am happy for him," said Harris to supersport.com.

Rabiu is currently with the Nigerian men's national team in Spain ahead of their friendly game against Catalonia on Wednesday.